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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A very cool plein air experience

View to Trout Creek8 x 8oil on doorskin

Today I headed up the west side of Okanagan Lake and set up in a lovely little rest area with beautiful views of the community just north of here. I was busy getting all my stuff unpacked when I heard some rustling and up from the beach came a pair of ducks right up to my feet. They checked out my easel and then settled down right underneath it only stirring when someone was walking by as if to warn me. My little buddies stayed till I was finished and then flew off across the lake I had just painted. What a perfect outing!

Thanks so much Sheila, Pat and Marie. I'm learning so much out there with the changing light and the need for speed as I had about half an hour before the wind came up and no more quiet reflective water! And I've learned to take a photo right away for reference.

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Studio in Leir House - The Leir House in Penticton is a designated heritage building and is home to the Penticton Arts Council, open to the public 5 days a week. Many of the rooms are rented by musicians and visual artists as studio space or teaching venues and I was lucky to have secured one. Future plans are for a gift shop but in the mean time drop by and check out the current show or get information on the various events happening.

A Note about my process - My oil paintings are done using only walnut oil as a medium with a touch of thinner, no alkyds, extenders, driers, varnishes - just oil and pigment. When the surface is dry enough I will rub in a little more walnut oil to even out the sheen bringing out a beautiful glow and brush stroke pattern quite unlike a varnished look with a durable a finish. These can always be varnished for added protection.